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10 Questions with ... Niecy Davis
August 18, 2009
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NAME:Niecy DavisTITLE:Music Director/middaysSTATION:WFUNMARKET:St. LouisBORN:I was born in Akron, OH not long ago (ha-ha)RAISED:I was reared in Akron
Please outline your career path.
Mobile, AL at WBLX, WDLT FM & AM and WGOK. In New Orleans I worked at WYLD, KMEZ and now WFUN St. Louis
1) What was your first job in radio?
My first job in radio was working Overnights at WBLX in Mobile, Alabama. The shift was from 12 am to 6 am. Tony Brown was my very first Program Director.
2) What led you to a career in radio?
I never dreamed of working on the radio, and I kind of fell into it (and then I was hooked). One thing I really enjoyed was being able to help people. If someone's house burned there we were, raising money. If there were children in need at the holidays, there we were. That is a feeling I don't think I will ever get over.
One defining moment that made me realize radio is for me is when there was a tropical storm heading towards Mobile, and I was there with weather updates and traffic routes. Then the next day people were calling me thanking me for keeping them safe. OH WHAT A FEELING!
3) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now, what you didn't then, would you still do it?
I would still do it. I'd do it a little differently, sure, but I'd still do it.
4) Where do you see the industry and Arbitron five years from now?
I see the industry getting smaller in terms of people. I see Arbitron being more accurate with the PPM. I think it will be revolutionary. I think satellite radio will see a surge (but hey that's just me)..
5) What's your take on radio currently? Is it as good as six months ago, better, or about the same? Elaborate.
The game is changing and evolving, so we as professionals have to keep reinventing ourselves and the game to stay in it to win it.
6) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
That change IS coming and WILL come , so you must be ready.
7) What do you think is wrong with today's urban radio? How can we make it better?
I think urban radio has gotten so scientific and monochromatic that we have lost our individuality, our spunk, and our fire! I think radio has got to get back to being a tool that people use and enjoy using (like back in the day when it was just plain ol' fun).
8) Of all the skills you have gained through the years, is there an area you'd like to improve?
Hmmm, probably my non-verbal communication. My non-verbal communication is so loud sometimes I am told it is deafening without me ever saying a word (ooooh, if looks could kill).
9) How well do you think today's urban broadcasters really understand Arbitron?
I think some are really on it and some live and die by it. I think they have a working understanding.
10) As you look back over your career ... any regrets? Missed opportunities?
I missed so many opportunities trying to take the safe route. Now I know the safe route is not always the best route. Now I wish I could holler "Do Over!" Still, I would not take anything for this journey. I have met some of the most fascinating people.
I have been to places that many people only dream about and, more importantly, I have gotten to help people along the way. When people ask me do I like my job the answer is always I LOVE MY JOB. Don't get it twisted sometimes. Your co-workers challenge you, but overall I love what I do.
Bonus Questions
What's been your biggest disappointment in radio today?
The way people treat each other. People don't reach out, and they're disrespectful. WHY? Everybody is trying to make the goal. It could be better if we could work together.
What do you do with a song you don't like?
If it is on the radio I usually start liking it after I hear it 70-80 times a week, then I'll find myself singing it and thinking "what's going on with me?" If I am in my car ... SWITCH!
What's the best piece of advice anyone's ever given you? The worst?
Always be nice because you never know. The worst? Hmmm, let me think about that.
What's the best liner you've ever heard?
It was a play on words. This station is the SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS HITS play on words but sooo cute.
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